Parthiban Kanavu (1960 film)

In the 7th century AD. Parthiban, the Chola King, dies in battle leaving incomplete his desire to be free from the yoke of the Pallavas. His son Vikraman (Gemini Ganesan) is determined to fulfill his father's dream. He is captured by the Pallava king, Narasimhavarman (S. V. Ranga Rao) and exiled to an island where he is chosen as the king. Though he has banished him, Narasimhavarman, in fact, cares a great deal about Vikraman as the latter loves his daughter Kundhavi (Vyjayanthimala). Vikraman returns to the mainland to see his mother and is attacked by robbers. Narasimhavaraman, in the guise of a sage and who has been helping Vikraman constantly, rescues him. Vikraman weds Kundhavi and rules over the independent Chola Kingdom, thus fulfilling his father's dream.

Cast according to the film songbook[3] and the opening credits of the film

The film was many years in the making. Saroja Devi appeared as an extra as Kundavi's companion. These scenes began disappearing later. The production was halted for many years, meanwhile Saroja Devi had become a star and was no longer available for small roles. Later, her name appeared in the credits as a guest appearance.[4] Maniyam, who was an associate of Kalki Krishnamurthy was chosen as the art director.[5]

The soundtrack was composed by Vedha, with the lyrics by Kannadasan, Vindhan and A. Maruthakasi.[3][6] The song "Andhi Mayanguthadi" is set in Yaman Kalyan raga.[7]

Parthiban Kanavu was released on 3 June 1960.[8] Kanthan of Kalki said the novel had been adapted well for the screen without losing out its taste.[9] However, according to historian Randor Guy, the revealing of the yogi's identity in the beginning of the film was criticised as it did not build up the suspense, which had been the plus point of the novel, among the audience. He noted that this was a huge factor in the commercial failure of a good film, though the lead pair Vyjayanthimala and Ganesan proved to be an attractive pair and their scenes with excellent songs sustained interest in the film.[4] At the 8th National Film Awards, Parthiban Kanavu won the award for Best Feature Film in Tamil.[10] The film was dubbed into Telugu as Veera Samrajyam in 1961.[11]

While analysing the 2011 science fiction film 7aum Arivu, where it was compared with other Tamil films about history and folklore, which had been historically inaccurate like Veerapandiya Kattabomman, Rajaraja Cholan and Parthiban Kanavu itself, the film historian S. Theodore Baskaran had quoted that, "The crew of Parthiban Kanavu — a film on the Pallava dynasty — did not even visit Mahabalipuram ruled by the Pallavas", while criticising the filmmakers, saying that "They do not even do basic research".[12]

• List of longest films in India

• Parthiban Kanavu at IMDb